Classical optics in generalized Maxwell Chern-Simons theory

The authors consider the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a two-dimensional polarizable medium endowed with Chern-Simons terms. The dispersion relation (refractive index) of the waves is computed and the existence of linear birefringence and anomalous dispersion is shown. When absorption is taken into account, the classic signature of a Voigt effect is found. In the case where linearly-polarized, three-dimensional waves pass through a two-dimensional plane, it is shown that there is optical activity, and the analogue of Verdet's constant is computed. 19 refs., 2 figs